ISLAMABAD, Feb 23: The government has decided to elevate the transport sector to the status of an industry and formulate an integrated trucking policy whereby ageing trucks would be replaced with new fuel-efficient vehicles and a minimum standard would be observed for loading purposes.

It has also decided to revise downwards customs duty on the import of trucks.

These decisions were taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Industries and Production Jahangir Khan Tareen to review measures for modernising the country’s trucking fleet. The meeting was also attended by Communication Minister Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui, CBR chief, ministry of industries secretary, representatives of the National Highway Authority, World Bank and truck manufacturers.

An official announcement said that during the meeting it was decided that an integrated trucking policy would be formulated and old, obsolete trucks would be replaced with modern and fuel-efficient vehicles, manufacturing of bigger multi-axle trucks and trailers would be promoted and a minimum standard for loading would be observed.

Improvements in the trucking fleet could save up to Rs240 billion for the country, according to the communication minister.

Mr Tareen requested the engineering development board to devise a comprehensive strategy to modernise the trucking fleet. The board was also asked to consult the concerned stakeholders about formulation of the strategy. The strategy will be finalised by March 31, the meeting decided.

The meeting was held under direction of the economic coordination committee (ECC) to devise a strategy for improving logistics and to work eventually for North-South Logistic Corridor, which was an initiative of the prime minister.

The aim of the new strategy, according to Mr Tareen, is to manufacture fuel-efficient and cost-effective trucks that do not damage roads.

The minister also called for a centralised system for registration of trucks.

The communication minister said that since the government is making new roads and rehabilitating old ones to link upcountry with our ports there is a need to have a modern and efficient trucking fleet.

“China is developing its western zone and trade of this area with the outside world will be done through the port of Gwadar,” he said.

“We need to have efficient logistics so as to grab this huge economic opportunity,” he added.